Editorial Reviews

LOVING HOMAGE TO GREAT SONGWRITING DUOINCLUDES LARRY CAMPBELL AND DAVID GRISMAN

Fennario NYC singer-songwriter Emory Joseph pays tribute to the Grateful Dead songwriting team of Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter with his upcoming release, Fennario - Songs by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter (arriving August 19 on Iris Records). For Fennario, Joseph carefully selected and recorded material that had never been released on studio albums and re-interpreted some of the best-loved Garcia/Hunter material. The wide range of music on Fennario draws from the same American palette that inspired Garcia and Hunter, from the sweet country of "It Must Have Been the Roses" to the Memphis rock & roll of "Tennessee Jed" to the Muscle Shoals soul of "Sugaree."

"I produced Fennario to be something that Deadheads and non-Deadheads alike could love." says Joseph. "I absolutely wanted it to be a respectful tribute to a beautiful working partnership, and something that could maybe help to explain to the world why so many kids spent so many years of their youth following these songs around the country and back. Fennario is a long overdue letter to Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter for having written songs that have inspired, amazed, and informed me since I was twelve."

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

I first heard this album was "coming out" while listening to "On the Golden Road" on The Grateful Dead Channel. The electronic version had already been released and was apparently well received. Obviously, Mr. Joseph would have to get Ice Nine's permission to use the songs and the CD information confirms their support, along with that of Robert Hunter and The Garcia Estate. But is it good? You bet. It is easily a listen-through as opposed to a "one hit wonder" album. In due course, all music passes down, as many of the songs performed by The Grateful Dead were passed to them. Mr. Joseph performs these songs, which we will always associate with Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, in his own style-not trying to copy The Dead but paying tribute to them with his skillful arrangements and choice of accompanying musicians. I think he delivers the songs in a style that most deadheads will appreciate. Well Done!

This acoustic treatment of songs from the Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter catalog entertains. The 8-minute opener of "Sugaree" bounces & grooves like a light jazz treatment with Emory's powerfully expressive vocals milking every ounce of longing from the lyric, "You thought you was a cool fool who never could do no wrong; You had everything sewn up tight; How come you lay awake all night long?" "Ramble On Rose" bounces with Jon Carroll's barrelhouse piano and Emory's vocal wail, "Just New York City, just like Jericho, pace the halls and climb the walls and get out when they blow." "Loose Lucy" cuts a rug with a vocal that made me stop the car to see if I'd accidentally bought a Van Morrison CD. "Bird Song" sounds like a runaway track from Seals & Crofts. "Fennario" weaves a joyful spell with excellent musicianship, great vocals & excellent material. Enjoy!

The catalog of songs written by Jerry Garcia (music) and Robert Hunter (lyrics)has often been overlooked on a songwriter's basis in favor of Greateful Dead mania. Their songs deserve to be highlighted for the sheer craft and feel they exhibit.

Emory Joseph and his capable sidemen treat each of these gems in a way that brings each song's depth & richness to the fore. It's great to be able to hear these tunes through a different "filter". Most enjoyable & recommended!